PSW Scope of Practice
Introduction:
Personal care is service that is provided to a person(s), in a person’s home, wherever home is,
that meets the supportive, physical and psychosocial needs of that person(s).
Hands on personal care is provided by an appropriately trained “Unregulated Care Provider”
and at times will require working as a member of a health care team under the supervision
of either a Care Planner or a Registered Health Professional RHP. Supervision will be required
when performing a designated task as delegated by an RHP under the Regulated Health
Professions Act.
Personal Support Workers’ provide care to person(s) who require personal assistance with
activities of daily living. They may also provide additional care as delegated by an RHP as
needed and when it can be performed safely and within Provincial legislation. PSW’s provide
personal care and related paraprofessional services in accordance with an established plan
of care. PSWs also provide for the personal needs and comfort of all individuals in their
homes or other environments. Typically involves both personal care tasks and incidental
activities of daily living, such as housekeeping, meal preparation, socialization and
companionship.
The PSW:
 Can assist person(s) with activities of daily living such as feeding, lifts and
transfers, bathing, skin care, oral hygiene, and toileting.
 Can perform delegated tasks which have been delegated by an RHP in
compliance with the RHPA for which transfer of functional training has
been completed, such as insertion of a digit or instrument into a body
cavity, care or procedure under the dermis and any task or skill needing
a physician’s prescription.
 Can assist with medication and medication reminders to person(s) in
accordance with established employer or government policy.
 Can perform light housekeeping duties such as sweeping and mopping
floors, vacuuming, washing dishes, and laundry.
The Ontario Personal Support Worker Association. COPYRIGHT©2014
 Must continuously observe person(s) and their environments, and must
report and document unsafe conditions and behavioral, physical, and /
or cognitive changes to an appropriate supervisor; i.e. family member,
employer, care coordinator etc.
 Must communicate and demonstrate basic information to person(s) in
relation to activities of daily living, light housekeeping, meal planning and
preparation, in accordance with pre-established Plan of Care.
 Must complete and maintain related records and documentation such as
communication books and progress notes.
*RHP- Regulated Healthcare Professional
*PSW – Personal Support Worker
Completed in partnership with
The Ontario Personal Support Worker Association. COPYRIGHT©2014